Eastern State Penitentiary: The Haunting History of Pennsylvania's Notorious Prison

Eastern State Penitentiary is one of the most infamous prisons in the United States, known for its innovative design, strict isolation system, and notorious inmates. The prison was operational from 1829 to 1971 and housed some of the most dangerous criminals in the country. Today, Eastern State Penitentiary is a National Historic Landmark and a popular tourist attraction, known for its haunting architecture and eerie history.

 

Designed by Phantom Phile

The Construction of Eastern State Penitentiary

Eastern State Penitentiary was designed by John Haviland and was constructed using a unique radial plan. This design allowed for maximum visibility and control by prison guards, who could observe every cell block from a central location. The architecture of the prison was also intended to instill fear and awe in the prisoners, with its massive stone walls and gothic towers.

The prison was known for its innovations and modernizations, including indoor plumbing, central heating, and electricity. But it was the adoption of the Pennsylvania System that made Eastern State Penitentiary truly unique. This system emphasized strict isolation and solitary confinement, with each prisoner living in a separate cell and having no contact with other inmates.

 

Life inside Eastern State Penitentiary

Eastern State Penitentiary was known for its strict and harsh discipline. Inmates were required to live in isolation, wear masks to prevent communication, and only have contact with the guards. This type of imprisonment was known as the "Pennsylvania system," and was meant to encourage prisoners to reflect on their crimes and to become penitent.

Inmates were kept in small, single cells that were meant to be their entire world. They were given work, such as shoemaking or weaving, to keep them busy, but they were not allowed to communicate with other prisoners. The lack of communication often led to mental illness, and many prisoners experienced breakdowns.

Despite the harsh conditions, some prisoners were able to find ways to pass the time. They would create art, write poetry, and even start their businesses within the prison. However, these small acts of creativity were often discouraged by the guards, who believed that the prisoners should be focusing on their penance instead.

Escape Attempts

Throughout its history, Eastern State Penitentiary saw several escape attempts. In 1923, 12 inmates attempted a mass escape but were caught before they could get very far. In 1945, a tunnel was dug by inmates, but it was discovered before they could escape.

 

Perhaps the most famous escape attempt was by a notorious bank robber, Willie Sutton. Sutton made three attempts to escape from Eastern State Penitentiary, including one where he dug a tunnel with a spoon. Despite these efforts, he was caught each time.

 

Hauntings and Legends of Eastern State Penitentiary

The imposing structure of Eastern State Penitentiary and its harrowing history has led to countless reports of hauntings and supernatural phenomena. Visitors and staff alike have reported strange occurrences, such as ghostly whispers, footsteps, and apparitions.

 

One of the most famous hauntings at Eastern State Penitentiary is that of Al Capone's cell. The notorious gangster was incarcerated at Eastern State from 1929 to 1930, and his cell is said to be haunted by his ghost. Visitors have reported feeling a chilling presence in the cell and hearing ghostly voices.

Another commonly reported haunting is that of a guard who was murdered by inmates in the early 20th century. His spirit is said to wander the cell blocks, still carrying out his duties and keeping an eye on the prisoners.

In addition to these specific hauntings, many visitors have reported a general feeling of unease and foreboding while inside the prison walls. Some even claim to have seen shadowy figures lurking in the corners or heard unexplained noises.

The End of Eastern State Penitentiary

Eastern State Penitentiary operated for 142 years, from 1829 to 1971. During its time, it held some of the most notorious criminals in American history, including Al Capone and "Slick Willie" Sutton.

After its closure, Eastern State Penitentiary fell into disrepair and became a haven for squatters and vandals. However, in the 1990s, the prison was restored and opened as a museum, offering tours and exhibits on the history of the prison and the "Pennsylvania system" of imprisonment.

 

Tour info

If you're interested in experiencing the haunted history of Eastern State Penitentiary for yourself, there are a few options. The prison offers both daytime and nighttime tours, as well as an "After Dark" tour for those looking for a truly spine-tingling experience. Keep in mind, however, that nighttime tours can be quite intense and are not recommended for young children or those easily frightened.

So, if you're brave enough to explore the haunted halls of Eastern State Penitentiary, be sure to book a tour and experience the chilling history and legends of this infamous prison firsthand.